Hedgehog

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Animal Name: European Hedgehog
Order: Erinaceomorpha
SubFamily: Erinaceinae

Animal Description:

Behavior:

When they feel threatened they curl up in a ball
Noctornal
Hibernate from Nov. – Mar if the climate is correct (domestic hedgehogs do not hibernate)
Squeal when afraid
Solitary animals, non-territorial
Can travel 2-4 km per night foraging for food
Seek shelter during the day

Diet:

Eat mostly insects, but will also eat bird eggs, grass roots, berries and melons. They are almost omnivorous.
Lactose intolerant – dairy products are harmful

Habitat:

British Isles, Western Europe, Mediterranean Islamds, and has been introduced to New Zealand
Live in deciduous forests, sand dunes, open woodlands, hollow stumps, and cavities in the rocks

Interesting Facts:

No living Species native to North America
In exsistance since the dinosaur days (about 10 million years old)
Baby hedgehogs (hoglets ) are born blind
Prey to owls
can swim pretty well
can climb trees
Illegal to have a hedgehog as a pet in Idaho, Oregon, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania
Quills are hard on the outside, filled with soft air pockets on the inside
Domestic hedgehogs are typoically hybrids of the White-bellied Hedgehog or Four-toed Hedgehog, and North African Hedgehog